ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The African Democratic Congress on Sunday dissolved the Senator David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) and elected a new leadership during a special convention held in Abuja amid renewed internal power struggles within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The convention, led by the Dumebi Kachikwu faction of the party, also produced Abdulkadir Bashir as the new National Chairman and adopted Dumebi Kachikwu as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The motion seeking the dissolution of the former NWC was moved by Benue State ADC Chairman, Allias Adiku, and seconded by Zamfara State Chairman, Kabiru Garuba, before the delegates unanimously adopted it by voice vote.
Delegates at the non-elective convention subsequently approved the dissolution of the former leadership and ratified the election of a new NWC to manage the affairs of the party for the next four years.
The convention also adopted the party’s amended 2018 constitution as the operational framework guiding the administration and activities of the ADC nationwide.
Other officials elected into the new NWC included Johnny Derek as Deputy National Chairman and Kennedy Odion as National Secretary, while Kingsley Ogah emerged Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Speaking after his election, Bashir called for unity, fairness, transparency, and inclusive leadership, urging party members to work together toward rebuilding and strengthening the ADC.
Bashir, an indigene of Katsina State, said the party remained committed to democratic principles and constitutional order, insisting that political organisations must not be treated as personal enterprises.
“This is a political party, not a private enterprise. Every political organisation must operate according to established rules, regulations and democratic principles,” he said.
The new chairman attributed the party’s previous internal crisis to selfish interests and attempts by some former leaders to maintain permanent control over the ADC structure nationwide.
According to him, members who resisted injustice within the party remained committed to reclaiming the ADC through lawful and democratic means.
“By the grace of God, we fought through lawful processes and reclaimed the party structure for members committed to democratic accountability and responsible leadership,” Bashir stated.
He noted that opposition coalition groups had shown increasing interest in the ADC because of its growing strength and capacity to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in future elections.
Bashir also commended the party’s performance during the 2023 general elections despite internal disputes that weakened operations in several states across the country.
The chairman urged aggrieved members to forgive past differences and return to the party, stressing that unity and collective commitment remained essential to repositioning the ADC as a major political force.
Meanwhile, the convention also endorsed Kachikwu as the ADC’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election following a voice vote by delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
In his acceptance speech, Kachikwu pledged to rebuild Nigeria through inclusive governance, institutional reforms, and people-oriented policies aimed at addressing poverty, insecurity, unemployment, and inequality.
He alleged that the ADC had come under pressure from powerful political interests seeking to weaken the party because of political vendettas linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Kachikwu accused some politicians of attempting to hijack the party structure for selfish ambitions while underestimating ordinary party members.
“The common man remains the backbone of our democracy, and it is because of them that I proudly accept this presidential nomination,” he said.
The ADC presidential candidate criticised years of failed leadership and poor governance, which he said had pushed millions of Nigerians into hardship and economic difficulties nationwide.
He called for a new national charter that would promote equality, inclusion, and equal rights for all citizens regardless of tribe, religion, or regional background.
Kachikwu also urged Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious politics and instead embrace competence, merit, and character in leadership selection.
He promised massive investments in education, healthcare, technology, broadband infrastructure, agriculture, renewable energy, and youth empowerment if elected president in 2027.
According to him, his administration would transform farming into agribusiness, secure farmlands, improve transportation networks, and strengthen digital innovation across Nigeria.
Kachikwu further pledged decisive action against insecurity, kidnappings, ritual killings, and violent criminal networks through improved intelligence operations and stronger support for security agencies.
He also promised better welfare packages for teachers, improved public schools and hospitals, and transparent governance systems aimed at discouraging corruption and rewarding productivity.
“Our administration will support women, promote creativity and build transparent systems that discourage corruption while rewarding productivity, honesty and hard work,” he stated.
Kachikwu urged Nigerians to support the ADC, promising servant leadership, accountability, and governance focused on protecting citizens’ welfare, dignity, and democratic rights.
